Analysis of the technical and economic feasibility of an automated system of accelerated composting, energy efficient and cost effective

• Grant number: 15/22646-5
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: September 01, 2016
• End date: May 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Sanitary Engineering - Environmental Sanitation
• Principal Investigator: Fernando Antonio Beltrame
• Grantee: Fernando Antonio Beltrame
• Company: Eccaplan Consultoria em Desenvolvimento Sustentável Ltda. - ME
• City: São Paulo
• Associated research grant(s): 20/09461-4 - Easy Compost - bioreactor for fast and low cost treatment for organic waste, AP.PIPE
• Associated scholarship(s): 16/14789-3 - Analysis of the technical and economic feasibility of an automated system of accelerated composting, energy efficient and cost effective, BP.PIPE

Abstract

The purpose of this proposal is to analyze the technical and economic feasibility of an automated system of accelerated composting, low cost and energy efficiency. From a patent search and search market, there was the absence in Brazil of a reactor permitting composting in the generation of local, automated and accelerated without energy expenditure, it is not possible to import only an external technology because the composition of the waste characteristics in temperate countries are quite distinct from tropical countries. It appears also in Brazil great opportunity to use renewable energy sources for the automation of the composting process, which has not been addressed in the country. To develop the proposed goal, the following activities and methodological procedures will be performed: 1) legal and commercial diagnosis: survey of legal and technical requirements of environmental agencies to use the equipment and licensing of the workplace; lifting requirements for the production and marketing of compost; assessment requirements and procedures for marketing the fertilizer. 2) diagnosis of innovation and technology: survey of national and international technology; survey of the main needs and difficulties of large generators and households; mappings of the main parameters that influence the process; study renewable energy sources that can be used in the process; study of the main microorganisms used in the acceleration of the composting process and reducing waste volume; study materials which can be used for the development of composting; 3) technical feasibility analysis - small compost: compost model assessment in contact with the ground; study products of microorganisms and accelerate the composting process; development and evaluation of a small composting model, with and without contact with the ground; 4) technical feasibility analysis - medium/large composting: study of microorganisms and products that accelerate the composting process; test of composting in open windrows; test composting process equipment market; development and evaluation of equipment for organization of controlled composting; 5) conclusion: preparation of technical feasibility opinion of composting model for small generators; draw up an opinion technical feasibility of composting model for medium and large generators. Thus, this proposal will contribute to the advancement of organic solid waste treatment processes in Brazil through analysis and propose a product that will allow local treatment of waste at low cost, energy efficient, adaptable to different environments and producing a compound of high quality. It will also contribute to understanding the behavior of the variables that influence the composting process, allowing greater control of it. From the evidence of the lack of trade in such types of reactor in Brazil, it is believed that the product will generate a great business opportunity for the company, taking into consideration the facilitation of the composting process and the consequent potential for increased grip the practice by the population and the medium and large generators of organic waste. (AU)